UK Anti- Semitism

The openly expressed loathing for Israel and Jews among a large swath of Britain's elites is cause for concern.

When I talk to my British friends, I get no sense of panic on their part, no sense that they feel themselves under imminent threat. Certainly there is nothing remotely comparable to the panic which has gripped French Jewry in recent years in the wake of an outbreak of anti-Semitic incidents.

The question that I ask myself is: Why not? Is it possible that the ominous signs that I find in headlines from England are purely a function of being far away and lacking the experience of every day life carrying on pretty much as before? Or, on the other hand, could it be that my friends live such insular lives that they are out of touch with trends in British society. I certainly hope it is the former, but I remain concerned nevertheless.

Last year the number of anti-Semitic attacks in England rose alarmingly by over 40% -- the steepest rise in Europe -- to its highest level ever. But it is not the level of street attacks that I find most frightening. Rather it is the openly expressed loathing for Israel and Jews among a large swath of Britain's elites. It was the complete collapse of German elites before Hitler and his lumpenproletariat followers that allowed Hitler's rise to power in the most civilized nation in Europe. The German elites were infected with the same anti-Semitism as the uneducated sign painter.

I do not for a moment wish to compare the situation in Germany in 1933 with Britain today. Nor do I think for a moment that the two countries are remotely the same. But one of the lessons of Germany between the two world wars is how lethal the mix between lower class and elite anti-Semitism can be.

One of the crucial functions of a societal elite is to maintain in place taboos on what may be said and what may not be said. Those taboos, with respect to Jews in England, are tottering badly. Matters begin with the BBC, which despite the excellent work of Trevor Ascherson, continues to consistently adopt the pro-Palestinian line on all matters related to the Middle East.

Anyone evincing a whiff of sympathy for Israel who finds himself a panelist on one of BBC's "news" shows like Question Time can count on being quite isolated on the panel, if indeed such a person is to be found on the panel at all. Even the most unexceptional comment, such as the that Israel is the Middle East's only functioning democracy, will be instantly greeted with hisses and jeers by the studio audience. Even one watching in the safety of one's salon may find himself a more than a bit unnerved by the spectacle of the audience seemingly thirsting for the blood of Israel's would be defender.

The anti-Semitism has always been there. What is changed now is that the taboos against its expression have fallen.

A few years back, Penelope Wyatt reported in the Spectator the remark of a liberal peer, "Thank God, we can once again say what we want about the Jews." More recently, a liberal commentator tried to reassure Melanie Phillips that there has been no upsurge in anti-Semitism. No, he explained helpfully, the anti-Semitism has always been there. What is changed now is that the taboos against its expression have fallen.

"What you have to understand is that we are just so relieved that we don't have to worry about the Jews any more. Ever since the war we were told that because of their suffering, the Jews were above criticism. But now that's no longer the case," he said.

Beyond the BBC is the regnant Labor Party. The party has done the math, and it does not augur well for the Jews. There are less than 300,000 identifying Jews in England today, and over six times as many Moslems. The road to electoral success lies in appeasing Moslem voters. To that end, the Labor Party did not hesitate to remind voters in the last election of the Jewish origins of Conservative Party chairman Michael Howard. In one campaign poster, Howard was shown posed as Fagin. In another, he and Oliver Tetwin, the shadow chancellor of the exchequer, who is also Jewish, were both shown attached to the bodies of pigs.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone deliberately baits Jews safe in the knowledge that it is the road to electoral success. He warmly received Egyptian sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, despite the latter's support for Palestinian terrorism against Israeli civilians and frequent calls for the execution of deviants, for whom Livingstone is normally hyper-solicitous. At the same time, the Labor Mayor compared a Jewish reporter whose questions got on his nerves to a concentration camp kapo.

When some of al-Qaradawi's more unsavory opinions became public, Livingstone charged a "Zionist front organization" with trying to ruin a budding, beautiful friendship by actually informing the public of al-Qaradawi's beliefs and pronouncements.

But one need not go to the far Left to find equally fervid descriptions of Zionist and Jewish plots. Simon Jenkins, the Times leading columnist, can find no explanation for the war in Iraq other than that Jews whose "first commitment was to the defense of Israel" have seized the reins of power in Washington and even London. Respected magazines carry cover stories about Zionist cabals and pictures of a Jewish star piercing through the U.S. capital.

A little over a year ago, the estimable Melanie Phillips pointed out to me the good fortune of England's Jews that the two major parties were both headed by the most pro-Israel member of the party. But Michael Howard has already announced that he will step down as head of the Conservative Party, and the pundits are predicting that Tony Blair will not serve out his term, but will rather abdicate in favor of Gordon Brown.

Two recent events highlight just how far the poison of anti-Semitism has permeated the British chattering classes. The first was the vote of the British Association of University Teachers (AUT) to boycott three Israeli academic institutions, and thereby single Israel out from all the nations on the face of the earth as the most egregious violator of human rights. As Harvard President Lawrence Summers famously remarked in the context of a move on the Harvard campus for divestiture of shares in companies doing business with Israel: One sure sign of anti-Semitism is far-fetched claims that the state of Israel is most brutal nation in the world.

The AUT kindly exempted from their strictures any Israeli academic who condemns the apartheid activities of his or her government. And thus an organization supposedly dedicated to the preservation of academic freedom claimed the right to tell Israeli academics what they may think or write. One of the boycotted universities was Haifa University, 20% of whose student body is Arab, as are a number of department chairs. What Arab university would accept even one Jewish student?

The boycott of Haifa University was the brainchild of Ilan Pappe, a history professor at Haifa University and a leader of the so-called "new historians," whose expressed purpose is to undermine the legitimacy of the Israeli state. Pappe has frequently denied that there is such a thing as truth, just competing narratives. And one of his students, Teddy Katz, took that to dictum to heart. He based his masters thesis on a supposed massacre of Palestinian villagers by Haganah troops in 1948. When members of the accused brigade sued for libel, an Israeli court found that Katz had fabricated many of the narratives of the supposed Palestinian witnesses and Katz offered his apologies. But in attempt to pressure Haifa University to reverse its rescission of Katz's M.A. degree, Pappe called for an international boycott of the university. Even so, Pappe's faculty colleagues were virtually unanimous that he should not be fired, though many devoutly wish that he would go teach at Bir Zeit University. Academic freedom, in Israel at least, is flourishing.

It might be possible to downplay the AUT vote. Less than 200 lecturers voted out of a membership of almost 50,000. And it appears likely that the boycott vote will be reversed. Yet the mere fact that such a vote could be taken at all should give pause. Despite knowing in advance that the vote would be close, and despite the questionable associations of the motion's leading sponsor, Sue Blackwell, whose website links to a neo-Nazi groups whose videos she commends, few opponents of the boycott resolution could be bothered to attend. The result was the passage of the motion by six votes and a flurry of publicity for the idea that Israel deserves to be censured more than any of her neighbors or such rogue regimes as Iran, North Korea, China (which occupies Tibet), or Sudan, in which mass murder is currently taking place.

The second recent event that should be of particular concern is the staging by the Royal Court Theatre, perhaps Europe's most prestigious theatre, of a play entitled "My name is Rachel Corrie." Corrie was a young American who was accidentally crushed by an Israeli bulldozer as she stood in its path trying to prevent the demolition of weapons smuggling tunnels in Gaza. Only one reviewer in the mainstream press - Clive Davis in the Times - called the play by its proper name: crude agitprop.

Others swallowed hook, line, and sinker the beatification of Corrie, who was in real life an anti-American rabble-rouser, who led Palestinian children in burning American flags, and a member of the International Solidarity Movement, which recognizes the "right" of the Palestinian's armed struggle and terms Israel an illegal entity which should not exist. The play's co-director Katharine Viner of the Guardian succeeded in doing for Corrie what she once did for Palestinian female plane hijacker Leila Khaled. She etherealized her as she did Khaled "with her Audrey Hepburn face" and "feminine adornment [a ring] resting delicately on her third finger."

One reviewer was swept away by Corrie's "unselfish goodness:" another by her "reckless courage" and youthful idealism. Not one apparently winced at Corrie's description of the vast majority of the Palestinian people as "engaging in Gandhian non-violent resistance." A printed version of the play is being readied for distribution to British schools.

I wait for my British friends to explain to me why I'm overwrought. Hopefully they will.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 34

(34)
Lloyd A. Oestreicher,
April 25, 2013 3:42 PM

WHILE I AGREE WITH THE WRITER I AM REMINDED OF THE STORY OF THE FRENCHMAN WHO COMPLAINED ABOUT THE STORY THAT THE AMERICANS SAVED EUROPE FROM THE GERMANS. COLIN POOWELL'S RESPONSE WAS, "TELL ME THAT WHEN YOU FINISH YOUR GERMAN COURSE."

(33)
Anonymous,
November 16, 2011 2:51 AM

A little out of date but still relevant.

(32)
matt,
September 3, 2011 3:15 PM

holocaust school books revisionist antisemetic history

The most disturbing reality of antisemetic hatred i have seen is the books used in every school in the u.k, These books glorify hitler'teach the blood libels and demonise the jews.With quotes from the text such as..''.consider how the G'mans felt about the death of jesus''...or''I looked in his eyes and saw agood man'. Itdoes not end with these revisionist Holocaust books either,they also learn the arab Israel conflict which turns suicede bombers into ''freedom fighters''.No surprise then that we hear of arise in antisemetisum in schools in europe The irony is the more we hear of antisemetisum the more we hear the call for more holocaust education.g-d save his people.'

(31)
Moira,
September 21, 2010 12:58 PM

Anti- semitismen ?

Sorry, but I don`t understand in which way Rickman should be anti jewish . With dirceting Rachel Corrie ?
It was just a singh about the mistakes, the goverment in Israel makes. To critisize the goverment is nothing against the jews , I think. Iam jewish myself, and I did a critice at Israelish politics a lot. I think , it is wrong to build up viallages in the palistinensien part of the state.

(30)
Simon Brittan,
April 4, 2010 2:41 AM

Antisemitism in the BBC

I fear you are right. A good place to look for antisemitic comments is the 'Have Your Say' website on BBC News. I have several times complained about antisemitic remarks posted on this site, only to have my complaints rejected by the 'moderators' as 'not breaking house rules.

(29)
Mike Bardill,
February 2, 2009 3:18 PM

Things do not appear to be getting any better!

Several years on from this article and Anti-Semitism is certainly getting worse in the UK, people openly hate not only Israel, Zionism and Jews, it almost has a medieval flavour to it.

(28)
W J G,
December 2, 2007 12:42 PM

Civilised?

Why do you refer to Germany as the most civilised European nation? Why were they more civilised than the British or any other nation?

(27)
Lori fredrics,
September 28, 2007 5:30 PM

Some very good news

A member of UCU just told me that the union's legal advisors have just informed members that the boycott against Israeli academics was indirect discrimination and that members can no longer even discuss the boycott at meetings. The anti-Jewish members of the union are now furious. They will have to find platform where they can air their anti-semitic views, but Jewish members will no longer have to choose between their union and their religious beliefs. I am now considering returning to the union. I felt , at the time when my union choose to single out academics from Israel for exclusion I could no longer be a part of the union. Central to my religious views is that the Jewish people are a nation and that nation is Israel. I felt that solidarity with the union members who either promoted the agenda or were complacent with the anti-semitic actions of others was impossible because choosing to boycott Israel is an act of anti-semitism.I hold that one of the things that made the boycott especially perverse is that the majority of Israeli academics are certainly amongst the most liberal thinkers in the state of Israel.

(26)
Lori Fredrics,
August 25, 2007 11:32 AM

It is getting worse

I have posted previously, and now am writing a short but sad update.It seems that some members of UCU (the new union for British academics) have sunk to a new low by expressing holocaust denial. It seems that those behind the boycott of Israeli academics were not simply well meaning people who lacked the abililty to examine their own reasons for singling out Israel, but truly obsessed anti-semites. The rest of the Union is complicit because they tolerate their agenda.Just wanted to let the outside world know.

(25)
David,
March 17, 2007 10:48 PM

Over-reacting?

Is anti-semitism significantly more prevalent in the UK than the US? Not according to what I can glean from the results of ADL surveys. For example, 16% of Americans agreed that "Jews don't care about anyone but their own kind", compared to 10 percent of Britons. It could be, though, that the elite are prone to anti-semitism in the UK. In the US, where I live, the well-educated are unlikely to be anti-semitic, and since they dominate the ranks of the elite, anti-semitism is not considered respectable. I sense that prejudice is more common among the UK elite. I certainly would agree that the British media is shamefully biased against Israel. A recent BBC TV story described a victim of accidental Israeli fire on civilians as a "symbol of Palestinian suffering". Fair enough, but would the BBC ever describe victims of Palestinian suicide attacks as "symbols of Israeli suffering"? I also recall that many years ago, the UK-based Economist magazine reviewed a book on the holocaust, "The War Against the Jews" and faulted the author for not acknowledging that German anti-semitism stemmed partly from what the reviewer described as the disproportionate and injurious influence of the Jews on Germany's economic and cultural life.

This article depicts the sorry state of affairs accurately. Personally, I find it almost unbearable to live like this, exposed to this hatred on an almost daily basis. In my analysis, the current situation in the UK displays frightingly many parallels to the history of German Jews before the Shoah. As a PhD student though I find myself unable to take any kind of action as I must fear totally risking my career as a young academic (given my status as a PhD student and even thereafter given that academia is very much a global game). From my recent experiences here in the UK and my familiy's history in Europe, I have reached the conviction never ever to become a victim for being Jewish in any way. The big question burning in my heart is, however, how to achieve this??? What is the right action to take? Shall we engage in dialogue as our grandparents and their parents, etc. in Germany did? I think we all know the result of that? What is one to do watching history apparently repeating itself? I would be so ever grateful, if someone was able to give me good advice on that.

(23)
Barbara,
February 12, 2007 9:08 AM

VERY VERY TRUE

On a recent trip to the UK - I saw this in action. The outright HATE of Jews and the scarcity of Kosher items in the stores in the UK were obvious to me. Of course, if the tables were turned - the Jews would be summarily shooed out of the country. I feel fear for my Jewish friends in the UK. Real fear.

(22)
Lori Fredrics,
February 8, 2007 7:28 PM

What Jonathan Rosenblum wrote about this is even more true today

As Jewish American academics working in the UK my husband and I have been treated ver unfairly. The unfair treatment started after we presented an Opera about a british Jewish hero. I believe that the overt boycott against Israeli academics has gone underground to become a silent boycott. When my husband and I were hired at a London area University we were not the only Jewish staff members there. Every single one of the Jewish staff members are now gone. I was forced to work during the Jewish High holy days instead of being able to spend one last Rosh Hashana with my dying father in the US. Non-Jewish staff members that taught in my capacity did not even have to commence work until after the High Holy days. I was punnished for even asking for the time off by an extremely defamatory reference from my line manager when I attempted to find other work.

Since my husband and I were depended on the university for our residency and permission to work when we lost our jobs we were unable to seek new employment and we had to leave the UK on Dec 19th to apply for a new residency status. We had to leave our home and all of our worldly goods and our 21 year old cat and return to the USA where we have no health insurance. Two days ago our elderly cat died and yesterday we received permission from the Home office to return.We will have to start our lives over again there from scratch, but at least my husband will be able to receive medical help for the health problems he developed when he suffered what I consider to be horrible abuse from our employer.We are fighting my husband's unfiar dismissal but as of yet, the union has offered no legal assistance!

(21)
Dean Smith,
June 8, 2006 12:00 AM

I want to do something about this

Greetings

I agree with the comments by Jonathan. I would like some of his references and information sources to progress these issues in the UK courts.

Something must be done about it ASAP.

Kind regards
Dean Smith

(20)
Gary Selikow,
August 9, 2005 12:00 AM

Rachel Corrie had the blood of Jewish children on her hands

It is time to stop sanctifying Rachel Corrie. Rachel Corrie came to Israel to help Arab terorists murder Israeli women and children.

She died trying to prevent an Israeli bulldozer destroying an Arab weapons depot. Corrie entered a war , as an accomplice to terror and mass murder, and her own records show her as a hate-filled fanatic.

Think of the innocent Jewish children targeted by terrorists , with the willing help of Rachel Corrie. Corrie was no more innocent than an SS officer killed during World War II. In fact her aims where the same as the Nazis-to kill innocent Jews!

The author also praises the pro-terror International Solidarity Movement , which Corrie belonged to. The ISM openly supports the murder of Jewish women and children in Israel.

Also bizarre is to call a hate-filled instigator of terror who aided and abetted mass murder, like Corrie,a 'peace activist'-an Orwellian doublespeak oxymoron if ever there was one.

(19)
Tess Gross,
July 12, 2005 12:00 AM

British Anti Semetism- Post Bombings

I find Jonathan Rosenblum's articles extremely enlightening. At sometime in the future I would like to hear him comment on how the growing trend of British Anti Semetism may be affected by the recent London Bombings.

(18)
Anonymous,
July 4, 2005 12:00 AM

Its worse when the loathing comes from Jews!

There is an individual from England (he often uses the name ''accessol'' when posting comments on Israeli newspapers) from Spelthorne England
This boy is actually jewish, but I have to say he makes the most blatantly anti-jewish remarks I have ever heard in my life
I'm not sure what happened to him for him to be so self-loathing, never mind an anti-Israel bigot.
He was the first in a short list of similarly self-loathing individuals to sign a charter waving their rights as Jews to ''the right of return'' on grounds of supposed rascism of the Israeli state and its people akin to what they term ''appartheit''.
I dont care what they call it, defending yourself is something you must do at all costs. We will never stop defending ourselves against the terrorists
We should be proud of our faith and our country, Israel. If people want to criticize the government, thats ok, its a democracy. But at least do so in an appropriate manner without any anti-Jewish ranting and raving.

(17)
tony,
June 25, 2005 12:00 AM

Dear Sirs,

As an Anglican Christian, living in Canada, I was dismayed at the censure of Israel by the Synod at Nottingham recently. If the church erroneously takes this stance what hope is there that the secular world will be different. If I were not a Christian I would be a Jew, for the world hates you because you are God's people. Since because God loves you with an everlasting love, this will give you the strength and certainty to survive while all else turns to dust and is swept away.

(16)
Miryam,
June 20, 2005 12:00 AM

This is a very true article

Is true what this article says, I've noticed for some time now that Anti-Semitism has grown. I have complained to BBC many times regarding their Anti-Semitic discussions, pubications and reports and they have never responded. I too have observed that Anti-Semitism seems to be growing in Canada as well. So sad to see how Anti-Semitism seems to be growing worldwide.

(15)
Michael Bardill,
June 10, 2005 12:00 AM

Anti-Sematism in the United Kingdom

I work at a University in Nottingham, England. Over the past couple of months there has been several instances of Anti-Sematism under the guise of being anti-Israeli.
The University allowed The Islamic Society to hold a meeting condeming not only Israel, but also statements such as Jews deserve to Die!
Only two weeks ago I assulted in a Bar in Nottingham because of the book I was reading, which happened to have a Magin David on the front!
The Police have taken very little interest in what happened???????
I would certainly say Anti-Sematism is on the rise in the UK and Europe.
Thought your article hits the nail on the head.

(14)
Anonymous,
June 8, 2005 12:00 AM

Harbinger of serious danger

It is with particular horror that I read this article. I do not think that people consider that their outrageously brazen and depersonalizing discourse held daily, easily establishes dangerous currents of belifs, myths, stereotypes and generalizations which destroys the cohesiveness of the social fabric.

These "debasing" notions inspired of hatred and antisemitism will ultimately harm ALL of society including the socalled "Elite".

There are natural paths to translations of violence, intolerance, dehumanizing behaviour and social disaster and thwne these are unleashed, everyone is affected.

To be respectful of other human beings, sensitive and tolerant of plurality is not a "luxury", nor a "favour" to be bestowed by some "benign group/mindset/ elite-anything", gratuitiously to alleviate one's own lack of courage, guilt, cowardice nor to hide one's own human deficiencies.

Respect, tolerance, understanding and genuine concern, (love for the daring), between human beings are a desired human endeavor which is necessary for the survival of the Human Species.

To believe, that hatred, anti-semtitism and other forms of prejudice would only hurt the intended "agent" of such a foul, Spiritually coarse, degrading mind-set is magical thinking, never mind infantile.

I simply am unable to understand, how any "elite" would ever, EVER, countenance the treatment of any segment of the population, society or community with casual ignorance, virulent hatred, destructive invective and concerted attempt at ostracizing any segment of the population, somethng to be condoned and admired, nor even wanted.

If I were living in the UK, I would quietly be planning a departure, before the would-be authorities decided that my hard earned assets, possessions, lifestyle and ultimately my life and that of my family and community was no longer mine:,)to posses.

Euorpe bathes "liberally", in Jewish Blood, from the Coast of Iberia to the far reaches of the Ukraine.

Europe has absolutely no moral imperative neither to exercise nor to admonish concerning Human Life.

The same greyness, once thought extinguished, is now arising in the UK, of all places.

The tide of this horrible thread will surely touch every single minority, never mind the traditions or cultural, social, adhesions.

I sincerely hope that people take courage unto their hands and proactively,leave.

Others,who did not, previously, on the continent, were and are, for the most part, not around to discuss the merits of their decision to "stay put" while the ravages of anti-semitism and hatred flared unabated.

Rather than anguish over the actual current level of danger danger, just, get out, while you are able to leave with your possessions.

(13)
Chana Levi,
June 8, 2005 12:00 AM

Not only the UK, in Canada too

I grew up in that cold, gray country called Canada, where I never felt at home despite so-called multiculturalism. Beneath a thin, polite veneer many Canadians are anti-semitic and racist and dislike anyone who isnt a WASP. I taught English as a Second Language to new immigrant students from around the world in a public high school and they too felt this hidden just below the surface racism. Once I got into an argument with one of the WASP teachers who was so pro-Arab and anti-Israel it was sickening, one would have thought he was an Arab himself. His attitude helped me realize there was no real future for us and our kids in Canada and thank G-d, we made aliyah and now live in Jerusalem where despite the problems, my kids will never be insulted because they are Jewish. I would suggest that the British Jews start packing their bags. As for the woman who is worried about her daughter in Gateshead, why didnt she send her here to Israel? Here girls are not afraid to go out and do not get insulted in the streets.

(12)
Anna,
June 7, 2005 12:00 AM

We should be worried

I am also concerned about casual antiSemitism of the kind that lumps all Jews together-even in a positive way. Even a positive stereotype is still a stereotype.

I cringe when people say 'The Jews', as I know that a sweeping generalisation is coming, and people genuinely don't realise how patronising they sound. If you protest, you risk sounding like a PC nit-picker; if you don't, you are tacitly agreeing !

I guess it's human nature to generalise.

I was on the receiving end of antiSemitism in London almost 20 years ago ; among the politer remarks were ones like 'that Jewess', said in a tone that made it clear what the speaker's opinion of someone who was a 'Jewess' was. These were supposed Christians, as it happens !!! I will not name the church.

Concern about antiSemitism is not paranoia, it is common sense. I don't believe for one minute that the Holocaust or the equivalent of the Nuremberg laws could happen in the UK, which does not have the history that Germany had before Hitler (much as some Germans would like us to believe that before he came along,(a) all was peace and harmony, Jews and Germans all lived together on friendly and equal terms (b) the Jews and Germans never mixed, so there was not a problem. Both of these views were expressed to me by a German lady who seemed not to think that they were in any way contradictory !

How to raise awareness without seeming like a victim ? I don't know !

(11)
Kaye,
June 6, 2005 12:00 AM

It's true...

What Mr Rosenblum says is, in my opinion, correct; the anti-semitic situation in Britain is becoming more apparent and to some extent it is being ignored. From my point of view it is a sense of disbelief (that anti-semitism in Britain could ever be a prominant force - why should it be? Over the last 100 years we've become increasingly politically correct, tollerant and welcoming towards all sorts of groups and individuals. That Britain would exclude the Jews from this is a notion that doesn't make sense.)and vunerability of the small British Jewish community that cause us to not rise up en-masse in disgust of what we read in the newspapers or see on the television.
Speaking from a personal observation of my own family, there is a desire to keep our heads down, to not cause a fuss, to not be different and to avoid confrontation. As a member of an assimilated family in an area where we only know of one other Jewish family, I can say that avoiding attention and protecting the children was always an unspoken issue. I disagree with it totally, but I always had a little voice in my head saying 'shhhh'.
England isn't "Jew-hating" as Mr Schwarz commented, but there has definately been an increase. I can't give you a comparison with the strength of anti-semitism 40 years ago because I'm only 17 years old. But I can offer the suggestion that perhaps there are Jews like myself who don't want to be penalised so don't speak up. I don't think that this attitude inhabits large communities of Jews, because I know I'd feel safer if I lived in London that where I do now. It's curios as to why there is an increase in predjudice when, like I mentioned earlier, most other prejudices have subsided somewhat. I would like to place hope in British youth and in the disappearance of anti-semitism, but what with having experienced 3 anti-semitic events all carried out by people my own age or in their early 20's I simply cannot believe it. So I chose to ignore it...perhaps the rest of Britain is doing the same?

(10)
Aura Slovin,
June 6, 2005 12:00 AM

Nothing new under the sun.........

So said King Solomon.
Thank you Mr. Rosenblum for a comprehensive and thourough examination of our'friends across the sea'.
During Israel's fight for Independance after being declared an independant country by the United Nations, stories abounded of how the British Army openly handed over arms and strategic locations to the bands of armed Arabs determined to prevent the Jewish state from being born. The incidents of complicity were numerous and varied throughout the country and at every level. When dismantling their outposts the British Army handed over everything include heavy artillery to the local Arab population.
Behind the veneer of civility the 'man on the English Street' is very far from civil. Don't hold your breath for a response from your fellow brit journalists - as your article stated,
They can let loose with their anti-semitic views now - it's lately become very "politically correct".

(9)
Anonymous,
June 6, 2005 12:00 AM

I'm overwrought too

Thank you, Mr. Rosenblaum, for your informative article concerning Jew-hating in the homeland of my ancestors. I'm overwrought, too, because here in Canada the same sort of dangerous nonsense is also becoming more public. I usually can't stand to watch the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) because of its pro-Palestinian slant. The majority of the British Columbia Teacher's Federation condemns Israel with regards to its treatment of Palestine. My stepson has taken his teachers' attitude home with him, as well as that of classmates who draw Stars of David and swastikas on his binder. My response is to protest each and every time I hear or read distorted misinformation through the media. I have kept my English maiden name, and I hope that helps send the message that one doesn't need to be Jewish to feel outrage.

(8)
Ken Cameron,
June 5, 2005 12:00 AM

Light dispels the darkness

As a Brit, I would sympathise with many of the views in this article. However it is easy to pick up on a series of negative news items and forget that the UK is still a relatively peaceful and tolerant society. Perhaps the most important point is the biased reporting in the media by the BBC and other organisations. The constant mis-reporting has created a poisonous atmosphere which leads to racism and entrenches ignorance. This blindness leads people to demonstrate publically against the Iraq conflict but ignore terrorism against Israelis. I have to question the integrity of broadcasters who run story after story about problems in Gaza and the West Bank ( real though they might be ) without matching publicity for wounded, bereaved and financially stricken Israelis.

The core of western civilisation and morality comes from Torah. We owe so much to the Jewish people but now we chose to do only what is right in our own eyes.

I live in Vienna where the Jewish population has fallen from 250,000 to 8,000 during the last 100 years. This community is a witness that fear and hatred cannot win.

(7)
Nigel Blumenthal,
June 5, 2005 12:00 AM

The UK's problem - and a solution?

I left the UK to live in Canada in 1980, and since that point I have become increasingly aware of two distinct strands; firstly, how biased UK society is, and second, how much British Jews want to keep their heads down and do nothing about it.

I think the most telling lines in the article are the ones where upper-class twits say that it's just that the barriers against the expression of anti-semitism have fallen. Even though the UK has no constitutional guarantee of free speech, as does the US, there seems to be a growing movement that looks upon hate speech legislation as inimical to modern-day thought, and that is therefore opposed to it. That movement seems to have the ears of those in power, and so hate crimes and hate speech, which are illegal here in Canada, seem to flourish in the UK.

Our sages tell us that the Rabbis knew that one could not mandate feelings - indeed, there's only one place in the Torah where we are commanded to have a feeling (love), but that if our actions are mandated and we get used to doing certain things, feelings will follow. It's therefore vital that the UK government deal with the expressions of hate and anti-semitism in a clear way, so that, over many years (and it will take many years), the scourge is eradicated.

And what is the UK Jewish community doing about it ? Wringing its hands, telling us that we mustn't rock the boat, putting security on shuls and Jewish institutions, etc. It's time the UK community stood up and shouted that the kind of behaviour seen around them is intolerable, and that it has to stop or there will be consequences. In the 1930s in Toronto, there was a famous incident known as the Christie Pits Riot, in which a group of young Jewish men decided that "enough was enough" and went, with baseball bats, to deal with a large gang of fascist Jew-baiters. You know what ? That Jew-baiting, name-calling and anti-semitism stopped when the community rose up and did something. Without advocating senseless violence, I would certainly suggest that we should stop cowering in corners, stand up and be proudly Jewish. If they don't like it, well, they know what they can do.

(6)
sheldon schwartz,
June 5, 2005 12:00 AM

i did not realize anti-semitism is growing
in england. you made me realize as an american jew, that our ally (england) is a jew hater!

(5)
Belle,
June 5, 2005 12:00 AM

it's been done before

Genet's masterpiece play , the Balcony, should be required reading to guard against the kind of idiocy the Corrie play evidences. In that play a prostitute's image is refiend and beautified and turned into an image to be displayed on a flag. Genet demonstrated the manipulation of imagery to maintain and enforce power. While i am not in agreement with violence I believe that Jews should stand up for themselves. Alan Rickman is one of the names behind the new anti-semetic Rachel Corrie play. We can boycott Mr. Rickman's performances (he is Professor Snape in the Harry Potter movies) AND write to the producers and tell why. We can picket in front of his play with the wonderful line uttered by Mr. Rickman himself in the first Die Hard movie regarding that his character bought his expensive suits at the same London tailor as Yassir Arafat. these people should be ashame of themselves .

(4)
Irving Sugar,
June 5, 2005 12:00 AM

Things have not changed since 1959 that when I left England.

(3)
George Hammerstein,
June 5, 2005 12:00 AM

Why Jews are disliked

People tend to dislike all through history and in all places groups that are self promoting, and networking as Mormons at in some places and times and other groups. When Hitler came to power Jews had networked themselves into being greatly overrepresented in professions, finances, publishing and much else. People don't like that.

(2)
Arik Yacobi,
June 5, 2005 12:00 AM

This article shows all that is sick in British "Elite" society.

Even members of my "right-on" Reform movement synagogue tend to side with the horrific likes of Susan Blackwell. Our Jewish community will walk a 100 miles for the sufferings of others but regard the dangers to our community with cool disregard even contempt - I am at a loss what to do to amend this attitude.

(1)
Silky Pitterman,
June 5, 2005 12:00 AM

The scary truth

My son is in yeshiva in Israel, my daughter is in seminary in Gateshead, UK. I worry more about her than about my son. My daughter tells me that girls don't walk alone in Gateshead. Even in a group, they are sometimes attacked by the gentiles who live there. She tells me that when the girls walk on the streets, they are very often cursed and spit at. Not only by teens but also by women pushing baby carriges.
The education she is getting is unbelievable and she is growing into a true bas Yisroel but I will be happy when she is back in "dangerous" New York.

I’ve been dating a young woman for the past two years and we are starting to think about marriage. The problem is that she is not Jewish. I would want her to convert, but in a way where there would be no doubt about its validity, so that we and our kids don’t have problems later on. How do you recommend that I proceed?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

I appreciate your desire to do the right thing and proceed in an authentic way.

The process of conversion is challenging and involves a process of a year or two. This benefits the person converting, to ensure he fully appreciates the responsibilities he is taking on.

According to the Code of Jewish Law (Shulchan Aruch), a valid conversion replicates the experience at Mount Sinai of 3,300 years ago, when the Jewish nation accepted the Torah. For your friend to convert, she must:

believe that Judaism is the true religion, not just accept it by default

study what it says in the Torah

commit to observe all the Torah's commandments

Further, a conversion must be motivated for the sincere purpose of getting close to God and His Torah, not for ulterior motives. Thus, your friend would have to embrace Judaism and the Torah for its own sake, not in order to marry you. She should have the exact same desire to convert even with you entirely out of the picture.

If your friend studies Judaism and feels it is right for her, she would then approach an Orthodox conversion court and explain her situation. The court would then decide if it feels she is a sincere candidate for conversion. If yes, she would begin the lengthy process of studying and practicing to become a true convert.

Of course, to have a successful relationship, you will also need a high level of appreciation and commitment to Judaism. Perhaps you could begin your own study program to discover how Torah values enhance our lives and form the bedrock of civilization.

You should endeavor to live near a Jewish community which has adult education programs, rabbis you can consult with, Shabbat hospitality programs, etc.

In 1273 BCE (Jewish year 2488), Moses completed his farewell address to the Jewish people, and God informed Moses that the day of his death was approaching (Deut. 31:14). Amazingly, the anniversary of Moses' completing his teaching coincides with the date in 1482 of the first printing of the standard format used for Jewish Bibles today: vowel signs, accents, translation (Targum), and Rashi commentary.

Lack of gratitude is at the root of discontent. In order to be consistently serene, we must master the attribute of being grateful to the Creator for all His gifts. As the Torah (Deuteronomy 26:11) states, "Rejoice with all the good the Almighty has given you." This does not negate our wanting more. But it does mean that we have a constant feeling of gratitude since as long as we are alive, we always have a list of things for which to be grateful.

[Solomon] was wiser than all men (I Kings 5:11), even wiser than fools (Midrash).

What does the Midrash mean by "wiser than fools"?

A man of means was once a Sabbath guest at the home of the Chofetz Chaim. He insisted upon paying the sage in advance for the Sabbath meals - an insulting demand. To everyone's surprise, the Chofetz Chaim accepted the money.

After the Sabbath the Chofetz Chaim forced the guest to take the money back. He explained, "Had I refused to accept the money before the Sabbath, the thought that he was imposing upon me might have distracted from the man's enjoying the spirit of the Sabbath. Although it was foolish of him to feel this way, I wished to put his mind at rest."

Not everyone thinks wisely all the time. Some people have foolish ideas. Yet if we oppose them, they may feel they have been wronged. Insisting on the logic of our own thinking may not convince them in the least. In such instances, it may require great wisdom to avoid offending someone, yet not submitting to his folly.

By accepting his guest's money, knowing that he would return it to him after the Sabbath, the Chofetz Chaim wisely accommodated this man's whim without compromising on his own principles.

A wise person may be convinced by a logical argument, but outsmarting a fool truly requires genius.

Today I shall...

try to avoid offending people whom I feel to be in the wrong, without in any way compromising myself.

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